Recording device for weightlifting

ABSTRACT

The recording device for weightlifting is removably attached to one end of the bar of a barbell set and holds a marking or tracing implement (e.g., chalk, whiteboard marker, laser pen, etc.) removably therein. A board (for use with a marking implement) or light recording screen (for use with an optical device) is positioned near the marking or tracing implement, the marking implement being in contact with the board. The weightlifter may then perform lifts while recording the path of the bar on the board or screen by means of the marking or tracing implement. The resulting trace enables the lifter and/or his or her coach, mentor, or assistant to determine accurately the path of the bar during the lift, thereby facilitating the determination of any corrections that might be needed to the form of the weightlifter during lifting exercises.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/426,424, filed Dec. 22, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to recording devices, and more particularly to a recording device for weightlifting, the device being removably installed upon the end of a barbell or the like and tracing the path of the bar on a board or screen as the barbell is lifted.

2. Description of the Related Art

The art and science of weightlifting has been refined considerably as the activity has become more competitive. While the Olympics are the most visible and perhaps the ultimate challenge for those engaged in the sport, weightlifting enjoys popularity at numerous levels below the Olympics.

As a result, many people who are involved in the sport seek assistance and coaching in order to optimize and refine their efforts. Aside from this optimization providing the greatest efficiency to enable the lifter to maximize the amount of weight lifted, it is absolutely crucial that a person lifting weights do so using proper body movements during the lifting motion in order to avoid potentially serious injury, particularly when heavier weight sets are being used.

There are several different moves (e.g., press, clean-and-jerk, etc.) that are used in the sport of weightlifting, and each has a certain pattern of body movement for maximizing the amount of weight that may be lifted and also for avoiding injury. Each of these moves results in a certain path or trajectory by the bar of the barbell or weight set, with the end of the bar defining this path as the weights are lifted. Conventionally, the weightlifter and/or his or her coach is unable to observe the precise path of the bar as it is lifted, and can only note errors in the lifting process according to how the move felt to the lifter and/or the observations of the lifter's body by the coach during the lifting exercise. These points of analysis of the lift are imprecise, to say the least.

Thus, a recording device for weightlifting solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The recording device for weightlifting is removably installed upon the end of the bar of a barbell set, and has an outward end for removably holding a marking or tracing implement therein. The marking or tracing implement may be a simple piece of chalk, a whiteboard marker, or the like, or may comprise an optical device (e.g., a laser pen). A board or screen is positioned so that the marking implement contacts the board to produce a mark thereon when the bar is lifted. A screen capable of registering or recording the light emitted from the light-emitting device is provided when the optical device is used.

The device provides instant feedback of the path of the bar of the barbell set, and thus the corresponding body movements of the lifter during the lift. This greatly assists a coach, therapist, or other party assisting the weightlifter, and/or allows the lifter him or herself to visualize and analyze the path that the bar traveled during the lift. With an accurate representation of the path of the bar, the lifter and/or his or her coach, therapist, mentor, or other assistant may quickly and easily visualize any corrections that need to be made, as well as seeing the correct portions of the lift performed.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a recording device for weightlifting according to the present invention, showing its operation and use.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a recording device for weightlifting according to the present invention, showing various details of its construction.

FIG. 3 is an environmental side elevation view in section of the assembled recording device of FIG. 2, showing further details thereof.

FIG. 4 is an environmental perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a recording device for weightlifting according to the present invention, wherein a laser device projects the path of the end of the barbell onto a recording screen.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a recording device for weightlifting according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a detailed side elevation view in section of the recording device for weightlifting of FIG. 5, illustrating further details thereof.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The recording device for weightlifting enables a weightlifter and/or his or her coach, mentor, or assistant to see the precise path of the bar of the barbell set when the barbells are lifted during a weightlifting exercise. This enables the coach, mentor, or assistant, and the lifter him or herself, to determine any flaws in technique during the lifting exercise and to note or point out corrections for such improper technique, if any. The recording device is also very useful in preventing injury due to improper technique during weightlifting exercises.

FIG. 1 of the drawings is an environmental perspective view of a first embodiment of the recording device, comprising an elongate holder 10 for a recording implement and a recording panel 12. The recording panel 12 has a flat, planar recording surface 14 oriented generally vertically, the surface 14 being adapted to register or record marks thereon made by a compatible marking device. In the example of FIG. 1, the recording panel 12 may be a chalkboard or whiteboard, and the compatible marking device may be a conventional stick of chalk or a whiteboard marker, the marking device 16 being shown installed in the holder 10 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 of the drawings provides an exploded perspective view of the holder 10, illustrating its various components. The holder 10 comprises a plurality of elongate tubular components that are permanently affixed to one another, or that may be removably assembled with one another, depending upon the specific components. These various components may be formed of any suitable material, e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic tube or pipe, etc. These components will be discussed generally in order extending from the barbell bar attachment end of the holder 10 outwardly to the marking implement end of the holder 10.

The first of the holder components comprises the barbell attachment end component 18 of the device, the bar attachment end 20 of the component 18 having a series of slots 22 formed therein. These slots 22 allow the wall portions of the bar attachment end 20 of the barbell attachment component 18 to be compressed by an adjustable clamp 24 (e.g., a hose clamp, etc.) extending circumferentially about the slotted bar attachment end 20 of the component 18, thereby causing the slotted end 20 to grip the end of the bar B, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3.

The opposite end 26 of the bar attachment tube or component 18 is permanently affixed (e.g., using plastic solvent for PVC pipe, etc.) within the barbell end 28 of a central sleeve 30. The central sleeve 30 adds another component to the assembly, but also serves to stiffen the entire assembly due to its larger diameter. The opposite recording implement end 32 of the central sleeve 30 has an intermediate tube 34 extending outwardly therefrom. The attachment end 36 of the intermediate tube 34 may be permanently affixed (e.g., by adhesives, etc.) within the end 32 of the central sleeve 30. The central sleeve 30 may include a stop 38 therein having a smaller internal diameter and serving to limit the insertion depth of the barbell attachment end component 18 and the intermediate tube 34 in the sleeve 30.

The intermediate tube 34 has a distal end collar 40 containing an internal circumferential resilient ring 42 (e.g., an 0-ring) therein. This ring 42 serves to grip and retain the recording implement holder 44 removably therein. The holder 44 has a sliding fit within the intermediate tube 34, but is limited in its insertion depth by a stop 46 within the intermediate tube 34. The outer distal end 48 of the holder 44 defines the recording implement attachment end of the holder assembly 10 and contains a recording implement receptacle 50 removably disposed therein. The recording implement receptacle 50 is dimensioned to hold securely a piece of chalk, a whiteboard marker, or other marking implement 16 extending outwardly therefrom, and includes a bottom or base 52 to limit the depth of insertion of the marking implement 16 therein.

A spring 54 is captured between an internal stop 56 in the recording implement holder 44 and the base 52 of the recording implement receptacle 50. This spring 54 urges the receptacle 50 and its recording implement or marker 16 resiliently outwardly from the holder 44. It will be seen that all of the structure of the holder assembly 10 between the implement holder 44 and the end of the bar B is fixed when assembled, i.e., it cannot extend or retract axially due to the clamp 24 securing the barbell attachment component 18 to the bar, the barbell attachment component 18 and intermediate tube 34 being permanently affixed within the central sleeve 30, and the axial travel of the recording implement holder 44 being stopped by the internal stop 46 within the intermediate tube 34. Thus, only the spring 54 allows for axial movement of the marking or recording implement 16 by means of the extension and retraction of the recording implement receptacle.

FIG. 1 of the drawings makes clear the operation of the holder for a recording implement 10 when attached to the end of a barbell bar B and used with an appropriate screen or board 12. Once the holder assembly 10 has been installed on the end of the barbell bar B, the weightlifter W positions the barbell assembly and its bar B and the panel or board 12 so that the distal end of the marker or recording implement 16 is in contact with the recording surface 14 of the panel or board 12 and the axis of the holder assembly 10 and its marking implement is substantially normal to the plane of the board or panel 12. The lifter W may then perform a lift, lifting the barbell assembly and its bar B. The marker or recording implement 16 thus traces or marks a line L as the bar B and its weights are lifted, with the line L corresponding to the path of the bar B and attached weights as they are lifted. The lifter L, and or his or her coach, mentor, or assistant, may then view the line L after the lift has been completed in order to judge the quality of the lift and to determine whether any correction in technique might be needed. The axial travel of the marking implement 16 in its receptacle 50, due to the spring 54, allows the marking implement 16 to remain in contact with the surface 14 of the board or panel 12 throughout the lift, thereby assuring a continuous line L, even if there is some slight lateral movement of the bar B during the lift.

FIG. 4 of the drawings illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the recording implement comprises a light-emitting device 58, e.g., a laser pointer, light pen, or other similar device. The recording panel 60 comprises a screen having a light receptive surface 62 adapted to record a visible trace T of a light emitted by the light emitting device 58 when the device 58 is aimed at the screen surface 62 and moved thereover. Such light receptive screens are known, e.g., the “Afterglow” screen available from the Lunascape Corporation. The Afterglow screen includes many additional functions, but may serve as a receptor and display for lines, patterns, and other graphics formed by a laser pointer emitting a light aimed at the screen. The Afterglow screen and/or system is but one example of such technology, but others are available having capabilities permitting their use as a recording screen with the recording device for weightlifting. It will be noted that when using this embodiment, the light-emitting device 58 need not be in contact with the screen surface 62. The barbells with their bar B and attached recording device 10 having a light emitting device 58 may be positioned at some distance from the recording panel or screen 60, so long as the light intensity transmitted by the light emitting device 58 is sufficient to register on the recording screen 60.

FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings illustrate another embodiment of the holder for a recording implement, designated as holder 110. The holder 110 differs from the holder 10 of FIGS. 1 through 4 in that the holder 110 comprises specifically formed components, rather than using stock or modified off-the-shelf components. The holder 110 includes a central sleeve 112 having a barbell end 114 and an opposite recording implement end 116. A barbell attachment component 118 having a hollow tubular configuration extends from the barbell end 114 of the sleeve 112. The barbell attachment component 118 and the sleeve 112 are formed as a single unit. The barbell attachment component 118 includes a setscrew 120 installed radially through the sidewall thereof for securing the holder 110 to the end of the bar of a barbell set.

A recording implement holder 122 extends adjustably from the recording implement end 116 of the central sleeve 112. The recording implement holder 122 includes a base 124 captured within the sleeve 112. The base 124 has an outwardly extending shoulder 126 and a skirt 128 extending from the shoulder 126. The outer diameter of the skirt 128 closely fits within the interior of the sleeve 112, enabling the base 124 of the recording implement holder 122 to slide smoothly within the sleeve 112. The recording implement end 116 of the sleeve 112 has an inwardly oriented flange 130 that prevents further movement of the shoulder 126, thus preventing the recording implement holder 122 from separating from the sleeve 112. An O-ring 132 may be provided just inside the flange 130 to reduce or eliminate undesirable play or freedom of movement of the recording implement holder 122 relative to the central sleeve 112, while still allowing the recording implement holder 122 to slide or telescope axially within the sleeve 112 when pressure is applied to the marking implement 134 (e.g., whiteboard marker, or chalk, laser pointer for use with a photoelectric recording board, etc.). A setscrew is installed radially through the sidewall of the recording implement holder 122 to retain a recording implement removably and replaceably therein.

A coil spring 138 is installed axially within the central sleeve 112 to urge the recording implement holder 122 and its recording implement 134 axially outward from the sleeve 112. The recording implement holder 122 is shown at its maximum extension from the sleeve 112, but it will be seen that compression of the spring 138 due to pressure on the tip of the recording implement 134 will cause the recording implement holder 122 to retract into the sleeve 112. The spring 138 will extend the recording implement holder 122 once again when the pressure is removed from the implement 134. A spring seat 140 is affixed within the barbell end 114 of the central sleeve 112 by means of a flange or plate 142 secured by screws 144 or other suitable means (welding, adhesive, etc.). The spring 138 is seated in the spring seat 140 and applies pressure axially to the base 124 of the telescoping recording implement holder 122.

Accordingly, the recording device for weightlifting provides a much more accurate and efficient means of determining the precise trace or path of the bar of a barbell during weightlifting exercises, thus permitting the athlete or his or her coach, mentor, or assistant to form an accurate assessment of the efficiency of the lift movement. This is helpful for developing the most efficient muscular coordination and effort during the lift in order to maximize the amount of weight lifted. Moreover, the recording device enables the coach or others to analyze the lifting move for other errors that might lead to injury to the lifter, thereby enhancing the safety of the lift exercise. This may also be extended to assist those undergoing physical therapy after injury or illness, ensuring that their rehabilitation progresses in an orderly manner and avoids re-injury. Thus, the recording device for weightlifting provides numerous advantages in precision over conventional weightlifting analysis techniques.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A recording device for weightlifting, comprising: an elongate holder for a recording implement, the holder having an end adapted for attachment to a barbell and an opposite recording implement attachment end; a recording implement extending from the recording implement attachment end of the holder; and a recording panel disposed near the recording implement, the panel having a planar recording surface disposed substantially normal to the holder, the recording surface recording movement of the recording implement.
 2. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 1, wherein: the barbell bar attachment end of the holder has a hollow tubular configuration, adapted for removable installation over the end of the bar of a barbell assembly; and the recording implement attachment end of the holder has a hollow tubular configuration, the recording implement being removably disposed within the recording implement attachment end of the holder and extending outward therefrom.
 3. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 1, wherein the holder further comprises: a central sleeve having a barbell end and a recording implement end opposite the barbell end; a barbell bar attachment component extending from the barbell end of the sleeve; and a recording implement holder removably disposed within the recording implement end of the sleeve and extending therefrom, the recording implement extending from the recording implement holder.
 4. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 3, wherein the barbell bar attachment component has an attachment end having a plurality of slots disposed therein, the recording device further comprising: an adjustable clamp extending circumferentially about the attachment end of the barbell bar attachment component; an intermediate tube extending from the recording implement end of the sleeve, the tube having a distal end and a resilient, internal holder retaining ring disposed in the distal end, the recording implement holder being removably disposed within the tube and selectively retained therein by the holder retaining ring; a recording implement receptacle disposed within the recording implement holder, the recording implement extending outward from the receptacle; and a spring captured within the recording implement holder, the spring resiliently urging the receptacle and the recording implement outward therefrom.
 5. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 1, further comprising: a central sleeve having a barbell end and a recording implement end opposite the barbell end; a barbell bar attachment component extending from the barbell end of the sleeve; a spring seat affixed in the barbell end of the central sleeve; a radially disposed setscrew extending from the barbell bar attachment component; a recording implement holder slidably disposed within the recording implement end of the sleeve and extending therefrom, the recording implement holder having a base disposed within the sleeve, the base having a shoulder extending therefrom, the recording implement extending from the recording implement holder; is a radially disposed setscrew extending from the recording implement holder; a flange extending inward from the recording implement end of the sleeve, the flange capturing the shoulder of the recording implement holder within the sleeve; and a compression spring captured between the spring seat and the recording implement holder, the spring urging the recording implement holder axially outward from the sleeve.
 6. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 1, wherein the holder is formed of plastic pipe and tube.
 7. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 1, wherein: the recording implement is selected from the group consisting of chalk and whiteboard markers; and s the recording panel is selected from the group consisting of chalkboards and whiteboards.
 8. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 1, wherein: the recording implement is a light emitting device; and the recording panel comprises a light receptive screen having means for visibly recording thereon a light trace emitted by the light-emitting device.
 9. A recording device for weightlifting, comprising: a tubular holder assembly for a recording implement, the holder assembly having a tubular end adapted for removable installation over the end of a bar of a barbell assembly and an opposite tubular recording implement attachment end; a recording implement removably disposed within the recording implement attachment end of the holder and extending outward therefrom; and a recording panel disposed near the recording implement, the panel having a planar recording surface disposed substantially normal to the holder, the recording surface recording movement of the recording implement.
 10. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 9, wherein the holder assembly further comprises: a central sleeve having a barbell end and a recording implement end opposite the barbell end; a barbell bar attachment component extending from the barbell end of the sleeve; a recording implement holder removably disposed within the recording implement end of the sleeve and extending therefrom, the recording implement extending from the recording implement holder.
 11. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 10, wherein the barbell bar attachment component has an attachment end having a plurality of slots disposed therein, the recording device further comprising: an adjustable clamp extending circumferentially about the attachment end of the barbell bar attachment component; an intermediate tube extending from the recording implement end of the sleeve, the tube having a distal end and a resilient, internal holder retaining ring disposed in the distal end, the recording implement holder being removably disposed within the tube and selectively retained therein by the holder retaining ring; a recording implement receptacle disposed within the recording implement holder, the recording implement extending outward from the receptacle; and a spring captured within the recording implement holder, the spring resiliently urging the receptacle and the recording implement outward therefrom.
 12. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 9, further comprising: a central sleeve having a barbell end and a recording implement end opposite the barbell end; a barbell bar attachment component extending from the barbell end of the sleeve; a spring seat affixed in the barbell end of the central sleeve; a radially disposed setscrew extending from the barbell bar attachment component; a recording implement holder slidably disposed within the recording implement end of the sleeve and extending therefrom, the recording implement holder having a base disposed within the sleeve, the base having a shoulder extending therefrom, the recording implement extending from the recording implement holder; a radially disposed setscrew extending from the recording implement holder; a flange extending inward from the recording implement end of the sleeve, the flange capturing the shoulder of the recording implement holder within the sleeve; and a compression spring captured between the spring seat and the recording implement holder, the spring urging the recording implement holder axially outward from the sleeve.
 13. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 9, wherein: the recording implement is selected from the group consisting of chalk and whiteboard markers; and the recording panel is selected from the group consisting of chalkboards and whiteboards.
 14. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 9, wherein: the recording implement is a light emitting device; and the recording panel comprises a light receptive screen having means for visibly recording thereon a light trace emitted by the light-emitting device.
 15. A recording device for weightlifting, comprising: an elongate holder assembly for a recording implement, the holder assembly having: a central sleeve having a barbell end and a recording implement end opposite the barbell end; a barbell bar attachment component extending from the barbell end of the sleeve; a recording implement holder removably disposed within the recording implement end of the sleeve and extending therefrom; a recording implement extending from the recording implement holder; and a recording panel disposed near the recording implement, the panel having a planar recording surface disposed substantially normal to the holder, the recording surface recording movement of the recording implement.
 16. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 15, wherein the barbell bar attachment component has an attachment end with a plurality of slots disposed therein, the recording device further comprising: an adjustable clamp extending circumferentially about the attachment end of the barbell bar attachment component; an intermediate tube extending from the recording implement end of the sleeve, the tube having a distal end with a resilient, internal holder retaining ring disposed therein, the recording implement holder being removably disposed within the tube and selectively retained therein by the holder retaining ring; a recording implement receptacle disposed within the recording implement holder, the recording implement extending outward from the receptacle; and a spring captured within the recording implement holder, the spring resiliently urging the receptacle and recording implement outward therefrom.
 17. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 15, wherein: the barbell bar attachment component of the holder assembly has a hollow tubular configuration, adapted for removable installation over the end of the bar of a barbell assembly; and the recording implement holder has a hollow tubular configuration, the recording implement being removably disposed within the recording s implement holder and extending outward therefrom.
 18. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 15, further comprising: a central sleeve having a barbell end and a recording implement end opposite the barbell end; a barbell bar attachment component extending from the barbell end of the sleeve; a spring seat affixed in the barbell end of the central sleeve; a radially disposed setscrew extending from the barbell bar attachment component; a recording implement holder slidably disposed within the recording implement end of the sleeve and extending therefrom, the recording implement holder having a base disposed within the sleeve, the base having a shoulder extending therefrom, the recording implement extending from the recording implement holder; a radially disposed setscrew extending from the recording implement holder; a flange extending inward from the recording implement end of the sleeve, the flange capturing the shoulder of the recording implement holder within the sleeve; and a compression spring captured between the spring seat and the recording implement holder, the spring urging the recording implement holder axially outward from the sleeve.
 19. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 15, wherein: the recording implement is selected from the group consisting of chalk and whiteboard markers; and the recording panel is selected from the group consisting of chalkboards and whiteboards.
 20. The recording device for weightlifting according to claim 15, wherein: the recording implement is a light emitting device; and the recording panel is a light receptive screen having means for visibly recording thereon a light trace emitted by the light-emitting device. 